Our Time to Be Counted

You cannot imagine the incredible feeling of pride that I felt when I heard Natan Sharansky, Benjamin Netanyahu, Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani speak from the steps of the Capitol on Monday afternoon.

Surrounded by thousands of pro-Israel supporters, I felt that I had done what had to be done. I, together with four of my children, had made our presence felt at a pro-Israel rally. From different parts of the country, we joined together with one message — we support Israel.

Having flown on the red-eye from Los Angeles, I met up with two of my children on the outskirts of Washington for breakfast. With a group of friends from New Jersey, we then caught the Metro into D.C. Even at 10:30 a.m., there were Jews streaming into the center of Washington; in fact, the Metro seemed to vibrate from the noise of Jews greeting each other, commenting on banners and rally paraphernalia and asking the typical "Jewish geography" questions — "Where are you from?" "Do you know this person?" and so forth. There was a vibe and excitement that reverberated throughout the day.

Once we exited the train, rally personnel directing us towards the rally site at the Capitol. The streets bustled as we made our way past police and other Washington officials. As I looked before me and behind me, all I could see where Jews and friends of Israel who were making there way toward the area. Throughout the afternoon, I continued to see thousands of people join our ranks. It was amazing: Farther than the eye could see, there were people standing together in solidarity.

And what’s a Jewish event without food, strong opinions and reunions among friends and family? Eventually, I, too, managed to meet up with my other children, who had not arrived as early, and who had to struggle through the huge crowd to get inside the front lawn area where we had staked a little spot in the shade. We joined harmoniously with one voice, as one people and expressed our love for Israel. The weather was hot and muggy, most were tired from long trips to get to the Capitol, and plenty of walking and pushing. We shouted encouragement to those with whom we agreed, booed those with whom we didn’t and generally made the most of the amazing feeling of solidarity that pervaded the event. We made the effort to be there and be counted. It’s hard to put in words the feeling that I felt as we sung "Hatikvah" and the "Star-Spangled Banner"; as we stood to attention and expressed our feelings of hope for Israel, and thanks to America for its support.

Los Angeles Jews have to ask themselves this important question:

Have you made a difference? Each of us needs to become involved, and realize that we too can make a change. At the rally, Sharansky reminded us that American Jewry made a difference by rallying week after week for the freedom of Russian Jews. He also reminded us that five Israeli prime ministers have not been successful in negotiating with Arafat, but that Israel had successfully brokered peace treaties with Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt. Israel wants peace.

All of the speakers, both Jewish and non, had the same message — support for Israel. I applaud the thousands that made the effort to get there, and ratified that important message.

It is time that we each consider what role we play in this world, and where we would be if there was not a strong and viable Israel. Can we surely say that Jews in America would be secure without the state of Israel?

I firmly believe that:

The state of Israel offers Jews worldwide security;

The voice of every Jew counts;

I can make a difference every day;

I cannot rely on anyone else to do it for me — each person has to be involved.

These are very tenuous times for Israel and world Jewry. It is time to be counted. Please join forces and help Israel, write to the president and thank him for his support, thank your senators who have supported Israel, and criticize those that don’t. Get involved. Be counted. Let Israel know that you care.